Preparing the convertible for winter?

[bensidewalker]

Hi all,

As winter dawns on us (looks like it's coming early to Britain, in any case!), I was wondering whether anyone has any suggestions/tips as to things you can do to prepare the car for this? I'm particularly thinking about the canvas roof, maybe there's a special treatment it can go through? (maybe I'm making this all up).

I am going to install mudflaps on the car shortly (I know concensus seems to be that they're not much help but I want them anyway, already have a stone chip on my paint!) and wondered if there are other things that can be added/done to the car.

TIA

[thebigyin]

Slap on the snow tyres and just enjoy it

[Clothesrack04]

Over here in UK we don't need snow tyres, winters aren't harsh enough, but then i'm not a proffessional, so there may be benefits.
A lot of people of this forum have started detailing there cars but add a good few layers of wax, I'm not really sure what you can do for the soft top.
Good Luck

[dalboyne]

I stick a squeegee in the boot (actually, it's stuck to the underside of the parcel-shelf with velcro) so I can quickly clean the rear screen when I get to work or home - this way the screen is clear and ready for my next trip.

As for the roof fabric, if we get a nice day I'll retreat with the 303 Aerospace fabric cleaner and treatment, and hope that will help to protect from all the crud they spread on the roads over winter.

And fit the winter tyres of course....the rubber is apparently much better at providing grip when the temperature is under 7 degrees (Centigrade)

Ian

[bobclive]

Try fabsil tent re-proofer it cost £3.99 per spray can, 0ne should do, two will definitely be enough.
It is easy to apply, spray on fabric and dab in with lint free cloth, don`t get on paintwork, Fabsil is equal to any other more expensive brand, look on Audi TT forum most use it there. It brings fabric up like new.

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by bobclive (original)

Try fabsil tent re-proofer it cost £3.99 per spray can, 0ne should do, two will definitely be enough.
It is easy to apply, spray on fabric and dab in with lint free cloth, don`t get on paintwork, Fabsil is equal to any other more expensive brand, look on Audi TT forum most use it there. It brings fabric up like new.

Very interesting! I seem to remember you could also buy Fabsil in a large can, to be applied with a paint brush? We did this every summer on our tent befor ethe camping holidays......was simpler and more effective than the spray cans, and you could even do it when too windey for a spray.....

Ian

[bensidewalker]

Yeah very interesting indeed! I will look out for it Thanks for the tip

[boomer5]

BMW sells a 2 step product for our tops. 1st one is a cleaner, 2nd one is a protectant. $40 can. For both.

[Dazzaxjr]

This is an old thread, but it's getting to that time of year!

I use the autoglym kit for convertibles. Sounds similar to the BMW kit in that you get a cleaner and waterproofer. Enough for a couple of applications. Once applied the water beads up just like on your lovely waxed bodywork.

Speaking of which I've recently started using their aquawax as well. Only takes a few minutes to apply after washing, but really helps you keep on top of the cleaning.

( starting to sound like an advert, but I don't work for them honest! )